Before & After: Angela's Living Room Reclamation

In NYC apartments, every inch counts, so when Angela and her roommates found their Lower East Side 3-bedroom's tiny common area dominated by a hulking dining table, they knew there was better way. With a coat of paint and a few carefully-chosen pieces of budget furniture, these ladies were able to create a comfortable space that takes advantage of every inch.

(Image credit: Angela Linneman )

It looks so much bigger and brighter! They combined an IKEA couch with an inherited rug and a bench they found on the street, then really punched up the decor with a vintage Barbara Kruger print and a treasured NAACP voting rights poster from the 50th Anniversary March on Washington.

Angela says, " We're lucky to share similar tastes, and a beautiful apartment. New York is never short on challenges, and we're so happy to have this peaceful, cozy haven to come home to."